Timothy Mark Sirk, Wire Fraud, West Virginia 2018

West Virginia Attorney Admits to Wire Fraud Charge

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – In a shocking turn of events, Timothy Mark Sirk, a 62-year-old attorney from Keyser, West Virginia, has admitted to a wire fraud charge. Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced the news today.

Sirk, a court-appointed attorney in Mineral County, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He admitted to submitting at least 33 fraudulent pay vouchers for his alleged public defender legal services. Additionally, he admitted to forging the signature of a Circuit Court Judge when submitting these vouchers.

The crime occurred from December 2016 to June 2018 in Mineral County. During this time, Sirk obtained at least $26,152.68 fraudulently. The West Virginia State Police investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting on behalf of the government.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided over the case. Sirk faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in public office. Sirk's actions were a betrayal of the trust placed in him as a court-appointed attorney.

The outcome of this case will be closely watched by the community. Sirk's sentencing is yet to be determined, but one thing is certain – he will face the consequences of his actions.

The people of West Virginia deserve better than to have their public officials engage in such egregious behavior. It is only through holding those in power accountable that we can ensure justice is served.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/mineral-county-attorney-admits-fraud-charge